Hello my friends. I was told by a smart guy to decrease my sugar intake. My first thoughts were that I didn't consume much sugar. When I actually looked at my daily diet, I was amazed at how much sugar I actually did consume!

I was hoping that perhaps some of you could give me some words of wisdom to help me decrease my sugar consumption. Reasons why I should give it up (I know, but its nice to hear from others), alternatives to eating sugar, etc.

Thanks!

I can sympathise with you as I also have a very sweet tooth - but then again most of us are born that way - breast milk is naturally very sweet - and out in the wild sweet things are normally safe to eat whereas most things which taste bitter are usually toxic.

I have found though that you can help yourself by cutting out sweet things almost completely for a couple of weeks and learning to like other tastes. (the more sugar you eat the more your body will crave it). I used to take three sugars in my tea but cut this out completely and now if I have so much as a half a sugar in my tea it tastes awful. Drink herbal teas and plain water with a touch of lemon juice - you won't like it at first as it is an acquired taste - but hopefully you will learn to like less sweet foods. Instead of eating sweet fruit try grapefruit or a cross between a grapefruit and orange which isn't quite so sour. Eat plain yoghurt instead of sweetened fruit varieties for desert. After a few weeks your body will stop craving sugar so much (although I still get cravings pre-menstrually which I give into as I know these will pass).

I had to cut out chocolate whilst taking Sepia and after a few weeks I lost the craving for chocolate.

I am sure others will come up with other ideas - good luck.

Hi Mamma,
I know that cutting back on sugars isn't easy.

One question:
Are you simply trying to cut out refined sugars? Or all sugars? Cuz, that would include fruits as well, and I just don't think that is balanced.

If you are simply trying to cut out refined sugars - do this for two weeks and it will help lessen the cravings (provided you have no kidney problems!!):
Increase your protein intake - including pulses, lentils, etc..along with meat (dairy if you eat it, but I suspect you don't eat much dairy, other than yoghurts?).

The refined carbs and sugars are killers and they are addictive, in my opinion. I know a lot of people who can't resist them - literally cannot resist eating them when presented!

I went from white sugar to raw cane sugar. It has some nutrients, as opposed to the refined stuff that even roaches and rats won't touch (that should tell us something, hey). Also, I found because it actually tasted sweeter to me, that I use less. (Although, I don't have a huge sweet tooth anyway).

If you do increase your protein intake, make sure you are eating enough veggies and fruits along with, or you might have a bit of constipation.

For the first two or three days, you may feel awful (that is, if you're going cold turkey on carbs and sugar - but it works very well and quickly this way) and may even get a headache (some do, some don't).

After that, you might still crave something sweet, but as Linda said, eat some sort of fruit that is less sweet than others and see if it somewhat quences any craving.

You'll notice too, that you may lose some weight.

anyhow, those are my suggestions...I can give you more details, if you're interested - just email me. Lisa

Thanks to you both.

Yes, Lisa, just trying to give up the refined stuff.

I was really suprised to see that corn syrup was an ingredient in my rice krispies.

I usually only drink water or green tea(unsweatened). Although I have recently discovered a passion for cafe mocha.

I do try to stay away from dairy, just a little bit of cheese here and there and a spot on my cereal. But Breyer's chocolate ice cream can be addictive!

I did much better during the summer when fruit was in season.

Sometimes knowlege is maddening!

Anyway, please keep the words of encouragement coming. Thanks soooo much!

Hi Mamma,

Fruit does contain A LOT of sugar, so it should be eaten in moderation. Fruit sugars are not refined, but they are simple, like white sugar.

If you still want to sweeten the occasional cafe mocha, stay away from the white stuff (saccharum officinalis, in our materia medica, for an update on all the ugly symptoms it can create) and hunt out the darker sugars like demerrara or "sucanat".
There is also the herb known as Stevia which can be used to sweeten cooked foods (you know, like desserts). It contains no calories in its sweetness--but its flavour is very much like sugar. Evaporated stevia can be found at healthfood stores now, where its sold in packets to be used in drinks like coffee or tea. It's another option if you need the sweet taste once in a while.

Divina

Hi Mamma,
My heart goes out to you. I've been looking at labels for my daughter, who absolutely drives bonkers when on a sugar high. In "regular" foods, there is always some sugar. I've even started to bake my own bread (now with spelt and rye) to avoid the sugarloaded varieties. I have started baking muffins etc. with organic brown rice syrup, or organic barley malt (a bit heavier in taste and texture of the baked goods). I don't know if these are healthier, but my daughter has no reaction to them. On the sunny side, we don't have any cavities, where her peers have mouths loaded with amalgam fillings already (she's 4). I have benefitted also on that diet and now I can tell, when I eat something that has loads of sugar in it. You'll get more sensitive too. Keep up to good work and yes, the saying that ignorance is bliss shows that awareness requires responsibility.
Claudia

Processed food has got to go and condiments too. I gave up sugar about 13 years ago. I don't even have it in my house. When my dad comes to visit I always forget to buy it for his coffee. I agree fruits in moderation. Vegies are more important anyways. Be wary of the health food version of sugar because you may as well eat the real sugar...I'm referring to things fruit juice sweetened, molasses, etc. I use that stuff sparingly and have found stevia to be satisfying when making a dessert. I have never regretted giving up sugar. It's one of the smartest things I ever did. Now I do occasionaly have a splurge day. Got one coming up in March as you know Mamma 3 so look out!!!

I gave up white refined foods and coffee at the same time as I gave up sugar. I found that my energy level increased significantly and I no longer had those highs and lows in energy. It just stays the same throughout the day. (except during allergy season when I'm constantly fatigued it seems!)

[This message has been edited by dessie (edited 23 January 2001).]

Thanks again for everyone's responses! Perhaps I'll print this out and stick it on my fridge.

Dear Mamma3,

There are all reasons to give up sugar, especially refined sugar. Have you read the book "Pure, white, deadly" written by Professor Yutkin of University of London (Dept of Nutrition)? He says that sugar is the number 1 drug that should be banned in our society!

Anyway, to me, the main reasons to give up sugar are:
1. It triggers candida (systemic candida). Systemic candida underlines many chronic conditions.
2. It acidifies the blood, deplete the body's mineral reserve, including calcium, leading to various chronic and degenerative diseases and weakens the immune system.
3. From macrobiotic perspective, sugar is too ying.

Alternatives to sugar, in priority are:
1. Stevia, brown rice syrup, barley malt syrup.
2. Maple syrup, honey, concentrated fruit juices.
3. Unrefined evaporated cane juice.

And, other measures to stop sugar cravings:
1. Avoid too salty foods or 'yang' food (e.g. chips, meat, egg, etc.)
2. Eat more whole grains. This cultivate a more balanced (macrobiotic speaking in terms of yin-yang) diet. You become more centred and balanced and don't want 'extreme' foods on yin-yang spectrum as sugar.

Lastly, homeopathic treatment is very helpful to curb unhealthy food cravings.

Arden.

I have nothing white in my house,sugar,rice or flour. Years ago I was addicted to choclate(pound a day sometimes) and mint sucking candies as I had a terrible post nasal drip(lots of allergies) and afraid of offending someone the breath was so bad.In 1969 I got rid of the drip and addiction by going on a week liquid fast.apple juice/water, or lemonade/honey.(now I go one day a week fast,to give liver a rest and clean out toxins)However because I am hypo, I take 4/5 capsuls of spirulina when fasting. Also checkout your thyroid and see that you are not hypo,hyper or diabetic.If you are- try not to go on Rx doc.might want to give you. Chromimum Picalate helps stop the craving also. I find after a meal if I take fresh pineapple it is satisfying, as well as a digest aid. I also eat 5/6 veggies day, plus 4/5 fruits.(no dairy, or meat)Also remember bread,starch converts to sugar. I am hypo and unfortunately they started me(before I was into homeo, herbs, etc.) on Rx of Thyralor, started with 2gr. now taking 3/4 gr.a day, I will be 84 next month, weigh l25, very active from 8-11pm. do all my own house and garden work, and run three different social clubs. Im sure you will be able to do it all just fine, learn to say no to self and others and the lady in the mirror will love you more for it as you grow older and wiser. The only cold ceral made without sugar are in health stores, even there you must read labels carefully.Even rice and soy milks are loaded with various sweetners, and additives.I put nothing in my basket till I've read all the ingrediants. Have fun, enjoy your new you.

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